Overview Salaries

Salaries in Columbia, TN

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Columbia, TN?

The average salary in Columbia, TN is $48,329 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Columbia, TN, showing an average salary of $48,329 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Columbia, TN, showing an average salary of $4,027 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Columbia, TN, showing an average salary of $929 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Columbia, TN, showing an average salary of $23 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Columbia, TN, can expect a variety of salary options across different sectors. The average yearly salary in the area is $48,329. This means most jobs offer a decent income to support a comfortable lifestyle. Salaries range from $22,500 to $132,000 annually, with many positions falling in the middle of this range.


The distribution of salaries shows a significant number of jobs around the average. For instance, jobs paying between $32,455 and $62,318 make up a large part of the job market. This offers a good mix of entry-level and mid-level positions. Higher-paying jobs, such as those earning over $82,227, are more specialized and fewer in number. However, they still provide great opportunities for those with the right skills and experience.

View jobs in Columbia, TN
View all jobs in Columbia, TN

What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, TN?

In Columbia, TN, job seekers can find a range of high-paying opportunities. The top jobs include roles like Speech Language Pathologist, CDL Driver, and Behavior Analyst. These positions offer competitive salaries and can provide stable, rewarding careers. Speech Language Pathologists earn an average of $86,043 annually. CDL Drivers make around $81,638 each year, while Behavior Analysts average about $78,006. Other well-paid roles include Registered Nurses, earning $76,577 on average, and Retail Sales Associates, making around $60,276. These jobs offer good financial rewards and can be found in various industries throughout Columbia.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, TN, highlighting Speech Language Pathologist with the highest at $86,043 and Registered Behavior Technician with the lowest at $47,872.

  1. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $86,043
    Helping individuals improve their communication skills. Working with schools and rehabilitation centers. Helping people of all ages.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Columbia, TN


  2. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $81,638
    Transporting goods safely. Driving long distances. Working for logistics and delivery companies.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Columbia, TN


  3. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $78,006
    Evaluating clients' behaviors. Creating treatment plans. Working with individuals with special needs.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Columbia, TN


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $76,577
    Caring for patients. Administering medications. Working in hospitals and clinics.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Columbia, TN


  5. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $60,276
    Helping customers find products. Processing sales. Working in a fast-paced environment.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Columbia, TN


  6. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $55,966
    Providing basic patient care. Assisting doctors and nurses. Working in hospitals and long-term care facilities.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Columbia, TN


  7. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $52,226
    Helping clients with social issues. Providing support and resources. Working with individuals and families.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Columbia, TN


  8. Technician
    Average Salary: $49,457
    Repairing and maintaining equipment. Working in various industries. Using technical skills to solve problems.
    Find Technician jobs in Columbia, TN


  9. General Manager
    Average Salary: $49,183
    Overseeing daily operations. Managing staff. Ensuring customer satisfaction.
    Find General Manager jobs in Columbia, TN


  10. Registered Behavior Technician
    Average Salary: $47,872
    Implementing behavior treatment plans. Working with individuals with autism. Providing one-on-one support.
    Find Registered Behavior Technician jobs in Columbia, TN

What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, TN without a degree?

Job seekers in Columbia, TN can find high-paying opportunities without a degree. Restaurant managers earn an average of $38,569 annually, providing a strong income. Other top jobs include server assistant, food service aide, and server, with salaries ranging from $32,000 to $34,000 per year. Housekeeping and laundry aide roles also offer solid earnings, starting around $28,000 annually. These positions demand hard work but offer good compensation. Columbia provides a range of well-paying jobs that do not require a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, TN without a degree, highlighting Restaurant Manager with the highest at $38,569 and To Go Specialist with the lowest at $27,341.

  1. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $38,569
    Lead the kitchen and front-of-house staff. Ensure smooth operations. Handle customer service and orders. Works for establishments like The Village Grill and Joe's Diner.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbia, TN


  2. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $34,496
    Support servers with food and drink deliveries. Maintain cleanliness. Take care of guests’ needs. Common in dining spots like The Burger Shack and Columbia Family Restaurant.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Columbia, TN


  3. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $33,604
    Assist with food preparation. Keep areas clean. Help in daily operations. Found in cafes and eateries such as Sweet Treats Bakery and The Green Leaf Cafe.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Columbia, TN


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $32,035
    Take orders and serve food and drinks. Provide good customer service. Work in busy environments. Common roles at The American Diner and The Columbia Pub.
    Find Server jobs in Columbia, TN


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $31,389
    Prepare meals quickly. Follow recipes. Work in a fast-paced kitchen. Typical of places like The Kitchen Express and The Columbia Kitchen.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Columbia, TN


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $28,399
    Clean rooms and common areas. Maintain a tidy environment. Ensure guests feel welcome. Common at hotels and motels like The Columbia Inn and The Green Tree Motel.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Columbia, TN


  7. Laundry Aide
    Average Salary: $28,127
    Wash and fold laundry. Keep supplies stocked. Ensure cleanliness. Common at motels and hotels like The Columbia Lodge and The Budget Inn.
    Find Laundry Aide jobs in Columbia, TN


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $28,047
    Assist with various kitchen tasks. Follow safety and hygiene standards. Work in a team setting. Found in cafes and eateries like The Morning Star Cafe and The Columbia Bistro.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Columbia, TN


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $27,554
    Clean dishes and kitchen equipment. Keep areas organized. Ensure cleanliness. Common at restaurants and cafes like The Town Diner and The Columbia Cafe.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Columbia, TN


  10. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $27,341
    Prepare food for takeout orders. Ensure accuracy. Pack orders neatly. Works in fast-food spots like The Fast Lane and The Quick Bites.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Columbia, TN

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, TN?

Companies in Columbia, TN, offer competitive salaries, making them attractive job options. The State of Tennessee stands out as the highest paying, with an average salary of around $58,405. Other notable employers include Maury County Public Schools and Youth Villages, offering average salaries of $56,768 and $52,686, respectively. These companies provide good compensation and benefits, drawing many job seekers. Maury Regional Health, CVS Health, and Harmon Scrap Metal also offer good salaries, with averages ranging from $49,472 to $45,654. Considering these figures, professionals can find good opportunities in Columbia.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, TN, highlighting State of Tennessee with the highest at $58,405 and The King's Daughters' School with the lowest at $38,759.

  1. State of Tennessee
    Average Salary: $58,405
    The State of Tennessee offers a variety of roles from administrative positions to technical jobs. Employees often benefit from retirement plans, health insurance, and paid time off.


  2. Maury County Public Schools
    Average Salary: $56,768
    Maury County Public Schools provides teaching and support staff roles. They focus on career growth and offer benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.


  3. Youth Villages
    Average Salary: $52,686
    Youth Villages is a nonprofit that provides services to children and families. They offer competitive salaries and focus on employee well-being with benefits like health insurance and paid time off.


  4. Wayne Halfway House, Inc.
    Average Salary: $49,966
    Wayne Halfway House, Inc. provides residential care for individuals. They offer roles in direct care and management with benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.


  5. Maury Regional Health
    Average Salary: $49,472
    Maury Regional Health is a healthcare provider offering various medical and support roles. They provide benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.


  6. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $47,242
    CVS Health offers a range of roles in retail and healthcare. They provide health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits to their employees.


  7. Harmon Scrap Metal
    Average Salary: $45,654
    Harmon Scrap Metal deals with recycling metal products. They offer jobs in operations and management with benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.


  8. National HealthCare Corporation
    Average Salary: $44,154
    National HealthCare Corporation provides healthcare services. They offer roles in direct care and administrative positions with benefits like health insurance and paid time off.


  9. Maury County Government
    Average Salary: $40,671
    Maury County Government offers various administrative and support roles. They provide health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off to their employees.


  10. The King's Daughters' School
    Average Salary: $38,759
    The King's Daughters' School is a private institution offering teaching and administrative roles. They provide health insurance and other benefits to their staff.

How does the cost of living in Columbia, TN compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Columbia, TN, shows that residents can expect to spend less on most aspects of life compared to the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs, for example, are 20% lower, and transportation costs are 15% lower. While groceries and utilities remain close to the national average, healthcare costs are identical, making it a favorable location for those seeking affordability. Columbia’s overall cost of living index stands at 88, which is 12% below the national average. This reduction in cost of living makes it an attractive option for job seekers and families looking to manage expenses more effectively.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, TN vs. Nationwide: housing 20% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 15% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

The cost of living in Columbia, Tennessee, presents a favorable alternative when compared to the nationwide average. Housing, a significant portion of any budget, costs 20% less in Columbia than the national average. Specifically, the housing index in Columbia stands at 80, which means residents can expect to spend less on rent or mortgage payments. Groceries, another essential expense, are slightly lower at 95, representing a 5% reduction from the nationwide average of 100. This can provide some financial relief for families and individuals.


Additionally, utilities in Columbia are 10% below the national average. With an index of 90, residents can expect to see a reduction in their monthly utility bills. Transportation costs also mirror the overall trend, with an index of 85, indicating 15% savings compared to the national average. These figures suggest that living in Columbia can help manage expenses more effectively. Healthcare costs remain on par with the national average, providing a stable aspect of living expenses with an index of 100. Miscellaneous expenses, including entertainment and personal care, are slightly lower at 88, offering another area where residents can save.

There are 612 job openings in Columbia, TN, today!

View Jobs in Columbia, TN

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Columbia, TN

Discover what it's like to work in Columbia, TN. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Columbia, TN
612 Job Openings

Win at hiring.

Visit the help center for any questions.
Contact Support
ReadySetHire icon
©2025 • ReadySetHire